Question Words

1. Xiex?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   It contracts to "x'" inside a sentence, e.g. "X'inhu?"

2. Fejn?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Meta?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Min?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Għaliex?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Kif?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Kemm?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   "Kemm" covers both count and amount

8. Kemm jiswa?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Liema?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. X'inhu dan?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

    Grammar Note

    "Dan" is the masculine "this"; use "din" for feminine nouns

11. Fejn hu t-tojlit?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    The article "il-" assimilates to "t-" before a word beginning with "t"

12. X'ħin hu?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Għandek?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    "Għand" plus "-ek" means "you have"; add the item

14. Jista' jsir?

    Is it possible?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. Irrid inħallas?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Huwa b'xejn?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

    Grammar Note

    "B'xejn" means free of charge — literally "with nothing"

17. Tajjeb hekk?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. Mhux permess?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

19. Kollox sew?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing — a different role from asking permission

    Grammar Note

    Literally "is everything fine?"

20. Tassew?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. Inti ċert?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Pressing for confirmation of a fact — fairly formal

    Grammar Note

    When addressing a woman, "ċert" becomes "ċerta"

22. Minn fejn int?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

23. X'jismek?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

24. Kemm għandek snin?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking a stranger's age directly, especially a woman's, can feel intrusive — best kept to close friends or children

    Grammar Note

    Literally "how many years do you have"

25. Nistgħu neħdu ritratt flimkien?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    For asking permission

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